For learners interested in accounting careers or working toward CPA eligibility, choosing the right academic pathway can feel overwhelming. LSU Online offers access to multiple entry points depending on your educational background, career goals, and timeline.
This guide breaks down four accounting education pathways: undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and micro-credential options.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting (LSUA)
The BS in Accounting from LSU Alexandria provides a well-rounded business education that includes creative problem solving, critical thinking, and in-depth knowledge of how an organization functions in today's evolving global environment. This pathway establishes the academic foundation required for many accounting careers while supporting CPA eligibility requirements.
Explore the program: Online Accounting Degree
Best for:
Students without a bachelor’s degree
Minimum Requirements:
High school diploma or GED
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting (LSUA)
Earn the credits necessary to take the CPA exam and earn valuable accounting knowledge with this online certificate. Graduates will gain a thorough knowledge of taxes, financial accounting, auditing, and business law, all while being taught by professionals–including CPAs. This certificate offers accounting-specific coursework on top of an existing degree, making it a strong option for career changers or professionals transitioning into accounting.
Explore the program: Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting
Best for:
Students with bachelor’s degrees in fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, or related areas
Minimum Requirements:
Preferred degrees include a bachelor's degree in business, Finance, Marketing, Management, or an MBA. Additional courses may be required for other bachelor’s degrees.
MBA with a Concentration in Accounting (LSUS)
The MBA with a concentration in Accounting offers a graduate-level education that combines advanced business leadership education with accounting coursework, making it ideal for learners who want both accounting knowledge and broader management preparation. This program can contribute toward CPA requirements.
Explore the program: Online MBA with Accounting
Best for:
Students with bachelor’s degrees seeking a master’s degree
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (other program-specific requirements may apply)
Accounting MicroCertificates (LSU)
Micro-credentials provide a flexible option for learners who already hold degrees and need targeted accounting coursework to meet CPA credit requirements.
The Accounting Fundamentalist Specialist Certificate offers basic accounting skills needed in managing an office, operating a business, or seeking entry-level jobs in accounting that do not require an accounting degree. This program is not CPA-eligible on its own, but it can support CPA credit completion.
The Accounting Advanced Topics Specialist Certificate is ideal for those who already have an accounting degree or relevant job experience but are looking for professional development through advanced training. The courses in this certificate are also valuable to gain additional credits needed for CPA licensure.
Explore the certificates:
Best for:
Students needing fewer than 30 credits for CPA eligibility
Minimum Requirements:
Accounting Fundamentals Specialist Certificate Requirements
- College Algebra or equivalent
- A grade of “C” or better is required in each course to move to the next course in the program
Accounting Advanced Topics Specialist Certificate Requirements
- Grade of “C” or above in ACCT 3021 Intermediate Accounting Part II or the equivalent
- Grade of “C” or above in ACCT 3001 Intermediate Accounting Part 1 or the equivalent
- Grade of “C” or above in ACCT 3122 Accounting Information Systems or the equivalent
LSU Online Supports Learners on the Path to CPA Eligibility
Every learner’s starting point is different. Some may need a full accounting degree, while others may only need additional accounting coursework to meet CPA requirements. LSU Online provides access to flexible options across undergraduate, certificate, graduate, and micro-credential programs so learners can choose the path that fits their goals and experience.
Explore each pathway and get started today!
FAQs
What accounting education pathways does LSU Online offer for students at different stages?
LSU Online offers multiple accounting education pathways designed to support students at different stages of their academic and professional journeys. These options include LSU Alexandria’s online Bachelor of Science in Accounting, offered through LSU Online, for students pursuing their first accounting degree; LSU Alexandria’s online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting, offered through LSU Online, for career changers and professionals with existing bachelor’s degrees; LSU Shreveport’s online MBA with a Concentration in Accounting, offered through LSU Online, for students seeking advanced business and leadership preparation; and accounting-focused MicroCertificates from LSU designed to support professional development and CPA-related coursework needs.
Together, these pathways provide flexible options for learners pursuing foundational accounting knowledge, career advancement, or progress toward CPA eligibility.
What is the difference between the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting and the MBA with a Concentration in Accounting?
LSU Alexandria’s online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting, offered through LSU Online, is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want focused accounting coursework in areas such as taxation, auditing, financial accounting, and business law. It can help learners build accounting knowledge, prepare for career transitions, or complete coursework related to CPA eligibility requirements.
LSU Shreveport’s online MBA with a Concentration in Accounting, offered through LSU Online, combines accounting studies with broader graduate-level business and leadership coursework. The program is designed for professionals seeking advanced management preparation alongside specialized accounting knowledge.
How do LSU Online's Accounting MicroCertificates support CPA eligibility?
LSU’s Accounting Fundamentals and Advanced Topics Specialist Certificates are designed to help learners complete targeted accounting coursework that may support CPA eligibility requirements. These flexible certificate options allow students to strengthen accounting knowledge and complete additional academic credits without enrolling in a full degree program.
The Advanced Topics certificate is intended for learners with previous accounting coursework who want to continue building specialized knowledge or pursue additional professional development opportunities related to accounting and licensure preparation.
What does the BS in Accounting from LSUA cover, and what career paths can it support?
LSU Alexandria’s online Bachelor of Science in Accounting, offered through LSU Online, provides students with a strong foundation in accounting principles, business operations, financial reporting, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. The curriculum is designed to help students understand how organizations operate while building technical and professional skills relevant to today’s business environment.
Graduates may pursue opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other business sectors. The degree can also help support educational requirements for students interested in pursuing CPA licensure.
Why should I pursue an accounting credential online rather than in person?
Online accounting programs provide flexibility for students balancing education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Accounting programs offered through LSU Online allow students to complete coursework remotely while learning from experienced faculty and industry professionals, including licensed CPAs.
Whether pursuing a bachelor’s degree, graduate credential, certificate, or MicroCertificate, students can build accounting knowledge and professional skills through a flexible online format designed to support career growth and long-term educational goals.
